Birds

A bald eagle sits on an evergreen tree.

NPS photo

 
Birds in green vegetation
Birds observed through a spotting scope during a coastal survey.

NPS photo

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical park is located in temperate rainforest areas but borders interior forest. This makes the park an important transition zone between two different ecosystems with distinctly different species of birds. Despite its small size, this unique geographic setting and climate make the park one of the most biologically diverse areas in Alaska.

Each year from May through September birds are surveyed and monitored in the park. Birds are surveyed through coastal waterbird surveys (in Dyea, along the Dyea road, and in the Skagway area), through breeding bird surveys on an established route, and on two established off road survey routes.

In 2013, surveys counted over 14,000 waterbirds with 49 species represented and 9 species of raptors.

 
A person uses a spotting scope near water.
Researchers survey coast lines for birds about once a week during the summer months.

NPS photo

 
Five eggs in a feather lined nest set in moss and other ground material

NPS photo

Learn what birds are in this area with a comprehensive the official species list for Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
 
Adult bird swims with three young birds following
Mergansers spotted swimming during a coastal bird survey.

NPS photo

 

Last updated: January 10, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
P.O. Box 517

Skagway, AK 99840

Phone:

907 983-9200

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